We are not getting flower arrangements for the church because it’s gorgeous and doesn’t need any embellishment, and we’re not getting floral table centerpieces for the reception. Instead we’re only buying flowers that will be worn/carried (i.e. bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages). For centerpieces, we’re getting little ivy plants in foil-wrapped pots ($2-3 each) and setting them out along with framed family photos. We’re hoping the photos will be conversation starters and encourage guests to go from table to table and mingle while they look at the pictures.

For other reception decorations, my mom got some silk flowers to arrange in crystal vases she already owns. We are getting extra use out of them, too: my brother just got engaged and will be getting married about 8 months after me, and he and his fiancee’ have asked to use them as well!

I will be using my ipod instead of live music. It is not my preference, as I would love to have someone playing the piano or something.

I won’t have any alcohol, wich is actually due to my faith (LDS aka Mormon), but I am saving tons because of it. Yay!

Also, we are not having a professional photographer. I am actually sad about this.

I wont have a dinner reception, but actually am loving this! We will be married in the morning, with a Brunch to follow. It is s perfect and relaxed and kid friendly. Then we have time to go to our honeymoon (which we haven’t decided on yet, yikes!).

Just to throw an idea about flowers out there… If you aren’t into silk flowers (which is really not my thing), you can just buy grocery store bouqet of flowers. I recently saw a wedding reception where they went to Trader Joes and got a bunch of inexpensive bouquets for their intimate wedding. It lookd great.

My mom will be making the arrangements. She is going to buy flowers really inexpensively at Downtown Los Angeles, so if anyone lives in L.A., know that is an option.

Oh! I am not having a bridal party. My 2 daughters will be Flower Girl, and my son will be Ring Bearer, but I am walking myself down the aisle to the man of my dreams. My wedding really lends itself to being inexpensive. Yay x 2! lol

My wedding just passed but I did my own flowers out of coffee filters, did my daughter’s flower girl basket, no programs, no seating chart, or name cards. Instead of shopping for vendors I had friends and family hook us up

No flowers on tables we are having candles giant martini glasses and possibly diamond table scatters, we can opt out of dessert to save more money off of the per head price, we are having our wedding in the off season to save money and scored a winter package deal which includes all the decorations and DJ etc, we are getting one car (we only have one friend each on the bridal party), our photographer is cheap coz we got a friend of a friend whom does it as a hobby, our cake is cheaper coz a work colleague makes cakes as a hobby, we are getting friends and family to film it and I will edit it, my uncle is also taking photos, and i am going with a florist whom doesn’t do wedding flowers but said she could put together some flowers for me if i give her the ribbon and she wont charge any more than the price of a normal bunch of flowers. I think that is all?? lol if i think of anything else i will add. I have done a lot of research on money saving ideas and I have managed to get our wedding budget to below the 15,000 mark – it wont even come close to 15,000- that was my limit to spend. I am still getting a designer dress, the wedding of my dreams and food and alcohol etc. I am not missing out on any of the luxuries.

We will have more than one wedding ceremony (international couple). Sadly, immigration fees, study fees (essential for me to keep working in my field when I immigrate) and plane tickets will be the most expensive part of our wedding.

Our first ceremony is the “official” one. We will chave a cheap reception (maybe partially self catered), a small guestlist (under 40 maybe), an alternative ceremony venue (TBD), and a bunch of DIY will keep costs down!

The second one will be a renewal of vows a year later, in my home country (New Zealand). That will be VERY casual and cheap, near the beach.

I’m not having real flowers. I will be making tissue paper flowers for my matrons of honor. My Fiance isnt wearing a tux just a nice pair of slacks and a white shirt. I wont be having a traditional wedding cake. I will be making cupcakes myself with the help of my MOHs. No DJ just some tunes i have on my laptop. I’m not doing the whole seating chart name card thing. It will just be close family so they can sit where they want. And no alcohol at all, personal decision by me and my Fiance.

So many great ideas! I forgot to mention…my wedding is on a Monday and people look at me like I’m crazy! We’re having a destination wedding, so I figure if people are traveling there, it doesn’t really matter what day of the week we get married…plus, we’re saving a lot from all of our vendors!

I tried to keep as much as I could and still work with a lower budget. For flowers we are having my mom’s friend (who used to be a floarist) put together the bouquets. Most of the flowers will be grown by my mom, and the rest are being purchased at Sams club. My aunt e-mailed around and found us a ton of blue mason jars just sitting in someones garadge. I’m DIYing a ton and found most of my wedding decor at good will.